King Charles IIIÂ made his first address as monarch to the people of England following the demise of Queen Elizabeth II, his mother, who died aged 96 on September 8, 2022.
He paid tribute to his mother Queen Elizabeth II, saying her commitment to service and the people never wavered and “defined her whole life.”
“That was more than a promise. It was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life,” he said.
He said the Queen made sacrifices and her dedication remained strong “through times of change and progress, but times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.”
The King said during her life of service, her love of tradition, but also her embrace of progress, made her great.
“The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign,” he said. “And as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humor, and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.”
Prior to this, he greeted crowds outside Buckingham Palace on his return to London with Camilla, the new Queen Consort.
Some of the citizens he encountered shouted “God save the King”.
Charles will be officially proclaimed King at the Accession Council at 10:00 on Saturday in a ceremony televised for the first time.
The Accession Council on Saturday will be attended by his son the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge on Saturday.
It is also attended by invited Privy Councillors and current serving government ministers – but that could also include former ministers, prime ministers, and senior clergy.
After the meeting, the Principal Proclamation, announcing Charles as sovereign, will be read at 11:00 from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James’s Palace, central London.